How to Prepare for Callbacks

How to Prepare for CallbacksThis week we welcome back guest writer Briana Borgolini to talk about some advice for handling callback interviews.

First, congratulations on finishing (or almost finishing) OCI, and reaching the callback stage! This can be a very exciting time, but it can also be very stressful. It is one thing to get through a twenty-minute interview on your own campus, and quite another to get through an hours-long interview at the firm itself. For many, the callback interview is a very new experience. Fortunately, there are a few things you can consider doing to prepare yourself for successful interviews. [Read more…]

Could A Designer Purse Cost You a Job Offer?

Could A Designer Purse Cost You a Job Offer?This week we welcome back guest writer Christen Morgan who discusses how to dress for a job interview and what questions to ask yourself before making certain fashion choices.

Could a designer purse cost you a job offer? Well, according to an attorney who posed this question at a diversity conference I attended, it sure could. Do I think that this opinion should impact how you prepare for an interview? Well possibly, but keep reading to find out.

We typically all want to look our best before going into an interview, so it only seems logical to pull out your absolute best suit and accessories that serve to complement the image of perfection and professionalism you want to convey. Right? So what’s the issue if your absolute best includes a pair of Christian Louboutin’s, a Dolce & Gabbana blazer or a Hermes purse? Well according to the attorney I saw at the conference, this image could rub some people the wrong way. She stated that she was once conducting an interview for a legal intern position and the candidate came in with a designer handbag. She said that this accessory choice made her wonder why the candidate would even need a job in the first place. She said that this handbag communicated that the candidate was likely well off and therefore not particularly in need of additional income and as a result she did not offer the candidate the job. [Read more…]

How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews #4: What Did You Learn?

NotesWhile the informational interview is fresh in your mind, take the time to record your impressions.

Include a brief description of:

  • what the interviewee does in an average day at work
  • the details of their work environment
  • what you would like and dislike about this particular job

If the person you spoke with warned you away from their field, or from being a lawyer in general, include the reasons they offered for this opinion.

Look for Common Themes

Your goal with informational interviews should be to try to tease out common themes.
[Read more…]

How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews #3: Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview

BusinesswomanBefore you arrive for your informational interview, it’s useful to think about what knowledge you would like to gain from the experience and come up with a basic list of questions you’d like to ask.

What’s the Point of an Informational Interview, Anyway?

Your goal is to get a good overview of what the person you’re talking with does on a daily basis, and their opinion on the pros and cons of their job.

Useful Questions to Ask

Typically, you’ll want to ask some of the following:
[Read more…]

How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews #2: Request an Informational Interview

Phone of cansOnce you’ve identified your target interviewees, it’s time to reach out and ask each of them to meet with you and share their experiences.

Example Script for Requesting Informational Interviews

Here’s a basic script to follow, for a phone or email request:
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How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews #1: Identify Your Target Interviewee

CirclesIt can be intimidating to think about calling or emailing a complete stranger and asking them to meet with you. Keep in mind, however, that most people love to talk about themselves, and will often be quite flattered that you have an interest in meeting them.

Think About People You Already Know

One of the easiest places to start is with people you already know.
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What Are Law Firms Looking For? Get the Inside Scoop From a Legal Recruiter!

HandshakeYou’re in for a treat! My fantastic friend Rebecca Netter, who left Biglaw to become a legal recruiter, has agreed to answer some questions about getting a legal job, from the perspective of someone who spends all day figuring out if someone is a viable candidate for legal jobs.

In other words, she knows what she’s talking about.

[Read more…]

Judicial Clerkships: What Actually Happens at a Clerkship Interview?

Exploding BombAfter the chaos of setting up your interview schedule, going to the actual interviews should be rather relaxing!

Or not. Judges can be intimidating people.

[Read more…]

Judicial Clerkships: What You Need to Know About Scheduling Clerkship Interviews

Do NOT Answer the Phone

ArrowsThe most critical piece of advice for managing your interview schedule is simple: do not answer the phone!

Let all of your calls go to voicemail, at least temporarily. If you are a competitive candidate and have applied to fast-moving locations, it would not be uncommon to receive between five and ten calls in the first few minutes judges are allowed to schedule interviews under the Guidelines.

[Read more…]

Rock OCI and Get the Job You Want: Interview Tips

Photo of Questions MarksCongratulations, you’ve got an on campus interview! Let’s get you prepared.

Common Summer Associate Interview Questions

Luckily, most summer associate interview questions are softballs, as long as you’re sufficiently prepared. The interviews are short, and the interviewer is tasked primarily with figuring out whether you’re sincerely interested in the firm, and whether you’d be a good fit. Consequently, he’s probably asking everyone the same basic questions, and any detours will arise from interesting elements of your résumé, so you have some control over what will be discussed.

The Easy Questions

Here’s what you’re likely to be asked in an on campus interview:

[Read more…]